Shoaib Malik voices World Cup hopes

SIALKOT: Discarded former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik Wednesday said he wanted to play in next year’s World Cup, but needed clarity on his role and must be told what is expected of him.

The 32-year-old played the last of his 216 one-day internationals in June 2013, but was included in Pakistan’s 30-man preliminary squad for the upcoming tournament.

Pakistan’s selection committee is likely to announce the final 15-man squad on January 7 after watching some of the probables in the Pentangular Cup competition, which started in Karachi on Wednesday.

Australia and New Zealand co-host the World Cup from February 14 to March 29.

Malik said he wanted to play for Pakistan.

“The World Cup is a big event and every cricketer wants to play in it,” he told media. “It was portrayed that I don’t want to play, I was frustrated over being left out but I always wanted to play.”

Malik said he is not happy with the selection process.

“I have a problem with the system because we cricketers want clarity (on selection) and want to know what is expected of us and how many matches we are going to play because it increases confidence when a player knows how many matches he is going to play.”

He continued: “I am of the opinion that players who know the conditions of Australia and New Zealand can play well there.”

Malik is also due to play for Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s ongoing Big Bash Twenty20 league.

“I am waiting for my visa and if I get it I will leave for Australia, but if I get clarity on my selection I can leave any league for Pakistan.”

Malik termed Australia, South Africa and India favourites for World Cup.

“I want to see Pakistan win but lately Pakistan’s combination is disturbed because of Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez being suspended over illegal bowling action, so in my opinion Australia, South Africa and India are top teams for the mega event,” he predicted. -AFP